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Region-Specific Associations between Environmental Factors and Escherichia coli in Freshwater Beaches in Toronto and Niagara Region, Canada

Author

Listed:
  • Johanna Sanchez

    (School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 1Z5, Canada)

  • Jordan Tustin

    (School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 1Z5, Canada)

  • Cole Heasley

    (School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 1Z5, Canada)

  • Mahesh Patel

    (Toronto Public Health, Toronto, ON M5B 2L6, Canada)

  • Jeremy Kelly

    (Niagara Region Public Health, Thorold, ON L2H 0G5, Canada)

  • Anthony Habjan

    (Niagara Region Public Health, Thorold, ON L2H 0G5, Canada)

  • Ryan Waterhouse

    (Niagara Region Public Health, Thorold, ON L2H 0G5, Canada)

  • Ian Young

    (School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 1Z5, Canada)

Abstract

Poor freshwater beach quality, measured by Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) levels, poses a risk of recreational water illness. This study linked environmental data to E. coli geometric means collected at 18 beaches in Toronto (2008–2019) and the Niagara Region (2011–2019) to examine the environmental predictors of E. coli . We developed region-specific models using mixed effects models to examine E. coli as a continuous variable and recommended thresholds of E. coli concentration (100 CFU/100 mL and 200 CFU/100 mL). Substantial clustering of E. coli values at the beach level was observed in Toronto, while minimal clustering was seen in Niagara, suggesting an important beach-specific effect in Toronto beaches. Air temperature and turbidity (measured directly or visually observed) were positively associated with E. coli in all models in both regions. In Toronto, waterfowl counts, rainfall, stream discharge and water temperature were positively associated with E. coli levels, while solar irradiance and water level were negatively associated. In Niagara, wave height and water level had a positive association with E. coli , while rainfall was negatively associated. The differences in regional models suggest the importance of a region-specific approach to addressing beach water quality. The results can guide beach monitoring and management practices, including predictive modelling.

Suggested Citation

  • Johanna Sanchez & Jordan Tustin & Cole Heasley & Mahesh Patel & Jeremy Kelly & Anthony Habjan & Ryan Waterhouse & Ian Young, 2021. "Region-Specific Associations between Environmental Factors and Escherichia coli in Freshwater Beaches in Toronto and Niagara Region, Canada," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12841-:d:695930
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Reyneé Sampson & Sarah Swiatnicki & Colleen McDermott & Gregory Kleinheinz, 2006. "The Effects of Rainfall on Escherichia coli and Total Coliform Levels at 15 Lake Superior Recreational Beaches," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 20(1), pages 151-159, February.
    2. Cole Heasley & J Johanna Sanchez & Jordan Tustin & Ian Young, 2021. "Systematic review of predictive models of microbial water quality at freshwater recreational beaches," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(8), pages 1-31, August.
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